Research Interest

The lab is focused on human evolution, especially in the ways in which gene regulatory processes have contributed to it. Because gene regulation is not easily predicted from sequence-level data, we use induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) as models to understand the means by which multiple cellular mechanisms interact to regulate gene expression, and, under the action of natural selection, ultimately give rise to inter-species or population-level differences. We are one of few labs worldwide with an established record in generating iPSC lines from non-model organisms, and we combine this expertise with our experience working with the latest genomic technologies.